Method of packaging pharmaceuticals



3 Sheets-Sheet l Aug. l, 1967 G. c. SPARKS METHOD OF PACKAGING PHARMACEUTICALS med March 4, 1964 Aug. 1, 1967 G. c. SPARKS 3,333,333

METHOD OF PACKAGING PHARMACEUTICALS Filed March 4, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ff f5.3@ 356/ 6 Jn ab :JZZQ/ INVENTOR. G50/P65 C BWP/f5 BY VM/a. ma;

Aug. l, 1967 G. c. SPARKS METHOD OF PACKAGING PHARMACEUTICALS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 4, 1964 INVENTOR. @fd/P65 C. J/A/P//f United States Patent O M' 3,333,393 METHOD OF PACKAGING PHARMACEUTICALS George C. Sparks, 101 Rorer St., Erdenheim, Pa. Filed Mar. 4, 1964, Ser. No. 349,284 12 Claims. (Cl. 53-37) This invention relates generally to packaging, and is especially concerned with a novel method of packaging and resultant package assembly.

While the package assembly and method of the instant invention have been primarily developed for use in packaging pharmaceuticals, and will be illustrated and described hereinafter with particular reference thereto, it is understood that the invention is capable of many varied applications, all of which are intended to be comprehended herein.

In the handling of pharmaceuticals in hospitals and other institutions, there is commonly a requirement that pharmaceuticals be propagated only under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. This requirement extends to the mere transfer of drugs from a bulk container to a smaller container and involves considerable recordkeeping procedures.

Among the objects of the present invention is the provision of a package assembly for pharmaceuticals which eliminates the need for propagation, as the pharmaceuticals are originally packaged in the assembly of the instant invention, the package assembly being capable of handling from the manufacturer to the ultimate consumer all without access to its contents, except by the consumer, and wherein essential data is at all times carried along with the contents as required by law.

In another aspect, the package assembly and method of the instant invention permit of distribution, storage and handling from manufacturer to consumer, while insuring constant sanitation and affording continual identification, for use with a wide variety of products.

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a packaging method and assembly which lends to the economies of automatic equipment both in the packaging operation as Well as subsequent handling, including equipment for inventory control, automatic dispensing and record keeping.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method of packaging which may operate continuously to effect substantial economies, and a resultant package assembly produced in continuous lengths as required, which lengths are bendable or flexible for handling in coils if desired, and quickly and easily separable to provide any selected quantity of packaged articles.

It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a package assembly .for pharmaceuticals Which effectively protects the same from damage in handling and storage from manufacture to consumption, insures the carrying of required information with the contents at all times, permits of automatic packaging and subsequent handling, and affords extreme ease of dispensing, both in separation of the package assembly to obtain the desired quantity of contents, and in opening the package to remove the contents.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, and combinations and arrangements of elements and method steps, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view showing a package assembly Patented Aug. 1, 1967 ICC constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 2 2 of FIGURE 1, and somewhat enlarged;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view showing a dispensing apparatus for the package of the instant invention;

FIGURE 4 is a plan view illustrating the several stages in the instant method of packaging;

FIGURE 5 is a plan View showing a slightly modified package of the present invention;

FIGURE 6 is a partial sectional vie-w taken generally along the line 6 6 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a plan view showing another embodiment of package constructed in accordance with the teachings of the instant invention;

FIGURE 8 is a partial sectional view taken generally along the line 8 8 of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a plan view showing another embodiment of package of the instant invention;

FIGURE 10 is a partial sectional view taken generally along the line 10-10 of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a plan view showing a further embodiment of the instant invention;

FIGURE 12 is a partial sectional view taken generally along the line 12-12 of FIGURE 11;

FIGURE 13 is a plan view showing still a further embodiment of the instant invention;

FIGURE 14 is a partial sectional view taken generally along the line 14-14 of FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 15 is a plan view showing still another packthe line 18--18 of FIGURE 17, somewhat enlarged for clarity;

taken generally FIGURE 19 is a plan view showing still a furtherV embodiment of package constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, .and partly broken away to facilitate understanding;

FIGURE 20 is a plan view showing a package strip from which the unit of FIGURE 16 has been separated;

FIGURE 21 is a plan view showing still another package assembly of the present invention;

FIGURE 22 is a plan view illustrating the method of producing the package of FIGURE 21;

FIGURE 23 is a plan view illustrating the method of producing the package of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 24 is a plan view illustrating the method of producing the package of FIGURE 9; and

FIGURE 25 is a plan view illustrating the method of producing the package of FIGURES 17 and 18.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to FIGURES 1 and 2 thereof, a package assembly is there generally designated 30, three full assembly units 31 being shown in FIGURE 1, and a single assembly unit being shown in FIGURE 2. The assembly 30 includes an elongate strip 32 of flexible, preferably rupturable sheet material, such as aluminum foil which may be provided on at least one face with a thermoplastic coating. Other suitable material may be employed for the strip 32, such as paper or other, and also various combinations, such as laminated foil and paper. In most applications it is `desirable that the material of strip 32 be printable, for purposesA appearing presently.

Arranged in a row, longitudinally along the strip 32 are a plurality of relatively stiff, generally fiat container sheets 33. The container sheets 33 are arranged in spaced relation longitudinally along and secured in facing engagement with one surface of the strip 32. In the embodiment of FIGURES 1 and 2, the container sheets 33 are of generally rectangular outline configuration, being coextensive with the lateral dimension of strip 32, and may be formed with a depressed or concave central portion 34 defining a receptacle for an article of contents 35. The container sheets 33 may each be integrally fabricated of relatively stiff, thermoplastic sheet material, which may be transparent to afford visual access through the container sheets to strip 32. Securement of each container sheet 33 to the strip 32 lmay advantageously be achieved by heat-sealing to adhesively secure the entire flat region of each sheet 33 in facing engagement with the strip 32, only the depressed central region or concavity 34 remaining unsecured. Thus, the strip 32 extends entirely across and in closing relation with each concavity 34 and is secured to each sheet 33 peripherally about its concavity, so that the contents 35 is hermetically sealed between the strip 32 and sheet 33.

It will now be understood that the relatively stiff container sheets 33 are arranged in edge-to-edge spaced relation with respect to each other, being connected together by strip portions 37 intermediate adjacent container sheets. As the strip portions 37 are relatively flexible or bendable, the elongate assembly 30 may include a plurality of units 31 and be bendable into many varied congurations, such as being coiled into a roll.

In FIGURE 3 is shown a dispenser 40 constituted of a hollow housing 41 having an outlet opening or slot 42. A coil or coiled roll of package units 31 is shown in phantom at 43 as being rotatably mounted on a journal 44 within the housing 41. The package units 31 are Withdrawable from the dispenser 40 through the opening 42, and the withdrawn units may be separated from the remainder of the package assembly by merely tearing an intermediate rupturable strip portion 37. If desired, a knife edge or other severance means may be provided for severing a connecting strip portion 37.

Proper identification of the contents 35 is assured by printing on the strip 32. Either one or both surfaces of the strip 32 may be imprinted, one being directly visible and the other visible through the transparent container sheets 33. v

Referring now to FIGURE 4, wherein is illustrated the method of packaging in accordance with the instant invention, there is provided an elongate web 46 of relatively stiff, preferably transparent thermoplastic sheet material having at longitudinally spaced locations therealong a series of open regions 47. In the illustrated embodiment, the open regions 47 constitute a row of transversely extending, through cuts or slots terminating short of opposite side edges of the web 46 and in alignment with each other longitudinally of the web. Further, the web 46 may be provided with a plurality of longitudinal rows or series of spaced open regions or slots 47, a pair of such rows being illustrated.

The web 46 is formed in the area between each adjacent pair of open regions 47 with one or more depressed receptacle portions 34. In the illustrated embodiment, a single depressed, cup-shaped receptacle portion 34 is formed in spaced relation between each adjacent pair of open regions or slots 47, but it is appreciated that a plurality of such receptacle portions may also be provided in spaced relation between each adjacent pair of slots. Further, each receptacle portion 34 is arranged not only in spaced relation between the adjacent pair of slots 47, but also spaced laterally inward from the ends of the slots.

The web 46, as above described, may be fed past a filling or loading station, at which the desired contents 35 may be deposited into the receptacle portions 34. This next successive stage in the instant method may be seen by following the web 46 downward in FIGURE 4.

Subsequent to filling of the receptacle portions 34, a sheet or strip 48, advantageously of relatively flexible material, is secured in facing engagement with one surface of the web 46. In the illustration of FIGURE 4, the receptacle portions 34 are depressed downward so as t0 define upwardly facing concavities, and the sheet 48 is secured on the upper surface of web 46 to extend across and close the concavities 34.

The relatively iiexible sheet 48 may be of any suitable material, such as metallic foil, paper-foil laminate, or other, and is advantageously provided on at least one surface with a thermoplastic coating for heat-sealed securernent in facing engagement with the web 46. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGURE 4 the entire surface areas of web 46 and sheet 48 in facing engagement with each other may be adhesively secured together by heatsealing, or other suitable means. In this manner, the sheet 48 extends entirely across so as to completely close each concavity or receptacle portion 3-4, and is adhesively secured in facing engagement with the web 46 entirely about each concavity t-o hermetically seal the spaces within the concavities.

As illustrated, the closure sheet 48 may be laterally coextensive with the web 46, but this is not essential.

Subsequent to securement of the web 46 and sheet 48 in their facing engagement, the secured sheet and web are severed longitudinally thereof along severance lines 50. More specifically, a pair of parallel spaced severance lines 50 are formed in conjunction with each series or row of open regions 47 and intermediate receptacle portions 34; and further, the severance lines 50 of each pair are arranged to lie laterally outward of or beyond the associated receptacle portions, while laterally inward of the respective ends of slots 47. In this manner the material of web 46 and sheet 48 laterally beyond the open regions or slots 47 is substantially entirely removed, so that the remaining web material defines the separate, spaced container sheets 33, and the remainder of the sheet 48 defines the strip 32 flexibly connecting together the container sheets, to define the assembly 30 of FIGURES l and 2.

Under certain circumstances it may be desirable that the space between adjacent container sheets 33 not be entirely devoid of web material. Toward this end, the severance lines or cuts 50 may be located slightly laterally outward beyond the ends of slots 47 so as to leave bridging portions between the sheets 33. In this case, the severance lines 50 would serve to remove substantially all of the web material beyond the slots 47. Also, rather than continuous, closed end slots 47, open regions may be defined of interrupted slots to leave connecting portions between adjacent sheets 33.

In FIGURES 5 and 6 there is shown a slightly modified embodiment of package or assembly 31a including a relatively stiff container sheet 33a and a relatively flexible closure sheet 32a secured in facing engagement with the container sheet and closing the receptacle portion 34a of the container sheet. The package unit or assembly 31a has been removed from a coil or strip, as by tearing -or other severance of the closure sheet 32a, as along edges 52. The embodiment of package 31a differs from that of package 31 by termination of the container sheet 32a along an edge 53 short of the terminal edge of closure sheet 32a. Thus, the container sheet is cut along edge 53 to leave a portion 54 of strip 32 extending beyond the latter edge, the extending portion serving to provide a finger tab or pull for removing the strip 32a from the container sheet 33a, or mpturing the sheet to open the receptacle portion 34a. In the method of the instant invention, the inset edge 53 may be provided by appropriately forming the slots or open regions 47 of the web 46.

Another embodiment of package assembly is shown in FIGURES 9 and l0, a unit there being generally designated 31b and including a relatively stiff container sheet 3311 having a central receptacle portion or concavity 34h, and a closure sheet or strip 32h secured in facing engagement with the container sheet and closing the concavity.

While the package 31a had its container sheet 33a formed with a beveled corner or cut 53, the sheet 33h is formed in one side edge, spaced from the adjacent corners, with a notch or cutout 53h. The notch or cutout 5311 may be in alignment with the receptacle portion 34h, and the closure sheet 32h may extend across the notch 5311, as by the strip portion 54h. By this construction, the notch 53b may be employed to facilitate tearing of both the container and closure sheets. If desired, the strip portion 54b may be cut out or removed from the notch 53h, which construction facilitates utilization of the notch for feeding or indexing of the package assembly, as by engagement of a feeding cog or sprocket wheel through the notch. Of course, the notch 53h "may assume different configurations, if desired.

In the embodiment shown in FIGURES 13 and 14 a package assembly or lunit 31C includes a container sheet 33C secured in facing engagement with a closure strip 32C, the latter serving to close a receptacle portion 34C formed centrally of the container sheet. Further, the container sheet 33C may be formed with an upset edge portion 56 spaced from the plane of the adjacent portions lof the container sheet and in spaced relation with respect to the underlying facing portion 57 of strip material 32C. The upset portion 56 of sheet 33e may be located rnedially along a side edge thereof and of generally semicircular configuration for receiving a lfinger or ngernail. This offset edge portion 56 thus exposes the Closure strip portion 57 for gripping to open the package 31C by tearing or peeling of the strip 32e.

In the embodiment of FIGURES 7 and 8 there is shown a package assembly or unit 31d having a relatively stiff container sheet 33d and a flexible closure sheet 32d secured in facing engagement with the container sheet and in closing relation with respect to the upset receptacle portion 34d ofthe closure sheet. However, in this embodiment one edge portion of the container sheet 33d, say the corner portion 58 remains free from or unsecured relative to the adjacent underlying portion 59 of strip 32d. The unsecured edge portions 58 and 59 of container sheet 33d and closure strip 32d permit of manual gripping for peeling or tearing of the closure strip to open the receptacle portion'34d. This construction may be readily produced in the method of the instant invention by sealing in a pattern or formation which omits the facing sheet portions 58 and 59.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGURES 11 and 12, wherein a container sheet 33e of relatively stiff material is formed with a central receptacle portion 34e, and a iiexible closure strip or sheet 32e is secured in facing engagement with the -container sheet and closing the receptacle portion. In addition, the closure sheet 32e is provided with an extension or tab 60 extending beyond one edge of the container sheet 33e, preferably beyond a side edge thereof. The tab or extension 60 may provide a finger pull for peeling or tearing the closure strip or sheet 32e to open the receptacle portion 34e. In manufacture, the tab 60 may be formed by :an appropriately congured cutter, or other means, say in formation of severance lines 50 in FIGURE 4.

In the embodiment shown in FIGURES 15 and 16, a package essembly or unit 31f includes a relatively stiff container sheet 33f having a central receptacle portion 341, and la flexible closure lstrip of sheet 323 secured in facing engagement with the container sheet closing the receptacle portion. In addition, there is provided extending beyond one longitudinaledge of the container sheet 33jc a ap or tab y61 of the closure sheet 32f. This ap 61 provides a finger grip or pull for peeling or tearing of the closure sheet to open the receptacle portion 34f.

A further embodiment is shown in FIGURES 17 and 18, Iwherein -a package assembly or unit 31g includes a relatively stiff container sheet '33g formed with a central receptacle portion 34g, and a relatively flexible closure sheet or strip 32g secured in facing engagement with the container sheet and closing the receptacle portion. In addition, a backing sheet 62, which may be of relatively stili material such as iiberboard, plastic or other, is secured in facing engagement with the surface 'of sheet 32g opposite to container sheet 33g. The backing sheet or board 62 may be of lan outline configuration generally congruent to that of container sheet 33g, and may be centrally apertured, as at =63 in registry or alignment with the receptacle portion of 34g. The backing sheet `62 may also vbe heatsealed or otherwise adhesively secured in facing engagement with the closure sheet 32g, and the opening 63 affords a pass-through for the article of contents 35g upon severance of the adjacent portion of sheet 32g. For example, article 35g may effect rupture of the sheet 33g upon deflection of receptacle portion 34g from left to right, as seen in FIGURE 18.

In FIGURE 19 is shown a strip or package assembly 30h of package units 31h, each including a relatively stiff container sheet 33h having a Icentral receptacle portion 34h and secured in facing engagement with a closure sheets or strip 32h. The container sheets 33h are arranged in a series or row, in edge-to-edge spaced relation and flexibly connected together by portions 37h of strip 32h intermediate adjacent pairs of container sheets. It will be observed that the intermediate strip portions 37h are of reduced lateral extent, as by being formed with notches or cutouts `62. These notches or cutouts reduce the dimension of strip portions 37h to facilitate separation by tearing, and also provide openings for automatic feeding, as by toothed wheels, or the like.

Of course, the cutouts or notches 62 may be formed in the severance step described hereinbefore.

`In FIGURE 2() is shown a strip `or package assembly 30k including a row or series of units 31k. Each unit 31k includes a relatively stili container sheet 33k secured in facing engagement with a closure sheet or strip 32k. The container sheets 33k are arranged in edge-to-edge spaced relation along the strip 32k, being flexibly connected together by the strip portions 37k intermediate adjacent container sheets. Further, each intermediate strip portion 37k may be provided with suitable weakening means, such as a line lof perforations `63 extending between opposite side edges `of the strip 32k to facilitate separation of units 31k by severance of the intermediate strip portions 37k. Further, the fweakening means or perforations 63 may be located closer to one of the adjacent container sheets 33k, so as to leave a pull ap extending from the other adjacent container sheet. Thus, separation of the units 31k from each other results in a unit. such as that of FIGURE '15 designated 31f. j

In FIGURE 21 is shown a further modification of the instant package assembly generally designated 30, wherevin a plurality of relatively sti container sheets 331', each having a receptacle portion 341', are secured in spaced relation along .and in facing engagement with 'a closure strip 321'. The container sheets 331' are of nonrectangular configuration, being shown for purposes of illustration as generally ovaloid in shape. However, the container sheets 331' may be of any desired configuration, as may be the receptacle portions 341'.

In FIGURE 22 is illustrated the method for fabricating the assembly 301' of FIGURE 21 having nonrectangular Icontainer sheets 331'. A web 461' of relatively stiff transparent plastic material is formed at longitudinally spaced locations with transversely extending open regions or cutouts 471. The open regions 471' may Ibe defined by elongate, closed end slots, each slot having enlarged end portions and tapering inward to a reduced medial region. The web 461' may be formed in the region between each adjacent pair of slots 471' with a cupped receptacle receiving portion 341', which portions are located in spaced relation between and laterally inward of the adjacent pair of slots 471'.

After filling of the receptacle portions 341 with contents, a flexible closure sheet or strip 481 of rupturable material is adhesively secured in facing engagement with the web 461, extending across the slots 471' and in closing relation Iwith respect to the receptacle portions 341'. The assembly may then be severed, as along parallel spaced, longitudinally extending lines 501' to substantially remove the material beyond the open regions or slots 471'. The remainder provides the assembly 301' of FIGURE 21.

In the modified method illustrated in FIGURE 23, a web m of relatively stiff, transparent thermoplastic material is formed with a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending cutouts or slots 47m, and receptacle por-tions 34m intermediate adjacent pairs of slots. It will -be observed that each cutout or slot 47111 may have one end portion enlarged in one direction, as at 65, to dene a generally triangular enlargement.

Adhesively secured, as by heat-sealing or otherwise, in facing engagement with the web 46111 is a flexible closure sheet 48m extending over the open regions or slots 47m and closing the receptacle portions 34m. The secured web 46m and sheet or strip 48111 may be severed by a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel spaced severance lines 50111 which serve to substantially remove the material laterally beyond the ends of slots 47111. It will now be observed that the triangular slot end enlargements 65 serve to provide the corner edges- 53 of FIGURES 5 and 6 terminating short of the remaining closure sheet material to define the pull tabs 54.

The embodiment of FIGURES 9 and 10 may be manufactured by the method shown in FIGURE 24, wherein a web 4611 of relatively stiff, preferably transparent thermoplastic sheet material is formed with a series or row of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending through openings or `slots 4611, and formed intermediate adjacent pairs of slots with receptacle portions 3411. In addition, spaced intermediate each adjacent pair of slots 4611, adjacent to the slot ends, is a cutout or opening 66 formed in the web 46n. The openings or cutouts 66 may each be generally triangular and located in lateral alignment with a respective receptacle portion 3411.

Secured in facing engagement with the web 4611, extending over the slots 4711 and across the openings 66, as Well as in closing relation with the receptacle portions 3411, is a flexible closure sheet 4811. The secured closure sheet 4811` and web 4611 may be severed by a pair of parallel spaced, longitudinally extending `severance lines 5011 located to substantially remove the material laterally beyond the slots 4711. Also, the material laterally beyond the cutouts 66 is removed to leave a notch corresponding to notch 5311 shown in FIGURES 9 andlO.

The embodiment of FIGURES 17 and 18 may be manufactured by the method shown in FIGURE 25, wherein a web 46p of relatively stiff, preferably transparent thermoplastic material is formed with a longitudinal row of transversely extending open regions or slots 47p and formed intermediate each adjacent pair of slots with a cupped receptacle portion 34p. A flexible closure sheet 48p is secured in facing engagement with the web 46p, extending across the openings 47p and in closing relation with the receptacle portions 34p. In addition, a relatively stiff backing sheet or board 67 is provided with a longitudinal series or row of transversely extending open regions or slots 68, and a plurality of through openings or apertures 69 located in spaced relation between adjacent pairs of slots 68. The slots 68 and apertures 69 are located in substantial respective alignment with the slots 47p and receptacle portions 34p, and in this relationship the backing sheet 67 is secured in facing engagement with the surface of closure sheet 48p opposite to Web 46p.

' A pair of parallel spaced, longitudinally extending severance lines 50p are formed in the sheets 46p, 48p and 67 Iarranged to substantially remove the sheet material beyond the slots `47p and 68. The remaining assembly corresponds to that shown in FIGURES 17 and 18.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a packaging assembly and method which fully accomplishes its intended objects and is well adapted to meet practical conditions of manufacture and use.

Although the present invention Ihas been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In the method of packaging, the steps which comprise: providing an elongate web of relatively stiff material having longitudinally spaced open regions extending transversely of said web intermediate the side edges thereof, said stiff material having depressed receptacle portions located between adjacent pairs of said open regions; depositing contents in said receptacle portions; securing a strip of flexible sheet material longitudinally along and in facing engagement with said web extending in closing relation with said receptacle portions and across said open regions; and severing said web longitudinally thereof to substantially remove the web material laterally beyond said open regions, whereby the remaining web material is flexibly connected together by the strip material extending across said open regions.

2. The method of packaging according to claim 1, wherein said open regions are defined by slots and said web is severed -to remove the web material laterally beyond said slots, the remaining web material being ilexibly connected together by said strip material.

3. The method of packaging according to claim 1, further characterized in providing a backing strip of relatively stiff` material -h-aving longitudinally spaced transversely extending open regions and pass-through formations located between adjacent pairs of said open regions, securing said backing strip longitudinally along and in facing engagement with said first-mentioned strip with the open regions and pass-through formations of said backing strip respectively opposite to the open regions and receptacle portions of said web, and severing said backing strip together with said web to substantially remove the backing-strip material laterally beyond the open regions thereof.

4. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in severing said strip together with said web, whereby said strip is laterally coextensive with said remaining web material.

5. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in notching said strip `at the open regions of said web, to provide feeding formations.

6. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in notching said web intermediate the open regions thereof to provide feeding and tearing formations.

7. The method of packaging which comprises: providing an elongate web of relatively stiff material having longitudinally spaced slots extending transversely of the web and terminating short of its side edges, said web having depressed receptacle portions located in spaced relation between adjacent pairs of slots and laterally inward of the slot ends; depositing contents in said receptacle portions; securing a strip of flexible sheet material longitudinally along and in facing engagement with said web extending in completely closing relation with said receptacle portions and -across said slots; and severing said web along a pair of longitudinal severance lines located adjacent to and laterally inward of the slot ends; whereby the remaining material of said web defines a plurality of sheets exibly conected together only by said strip.

8. The method according to claim 7, further characterized in severing said strip together with said web, whereby the remaining strip material is laterally coextensive with the remaining web material.

9. The method according to claim 7, further characterized in notching said strip intermediate said spaced sheets to provide feeding formations.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein said strip is heat-sealed to said web.

11. The method according to claim 10, lfurther characterized in leaving unsecured an edge portion of each sheet and the facing portion of said strip, to provide a nger pull for opening.

12. The method according to claim 7, further characterized in providing transversely extending weakening formations in said strip portions between said sheets, to facilitate separation of said assembly.

10 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 173,226 2/ 1876 Limousin 53-37 2,523,431 9/1950 Hoag 53--37 3,047,139 7/1962 Jaroi'f 206-56 3,054,679 9/1962 Bradford 53-133 X 3,107,782 10/1963 Jaroff et al 206-56 3,238,691 3/1966 Miller et al 53-184 X 10 TRAVIS S. MCGEHEE, Primary Examiner.

G. O. RALSTON, Examiner.

R. L. FARRIS, W. T. DIXSON, Assistant Examiners. 

1. IN THE METHOD OF PACKAGING, THE STEPS WHICH COMPRISE: PROVIDING AN ELONGATE WEB OF RELATIVELY STIFF MATERIAL HAVING LONGITUDINALLY SPACED OPEN REGIONS EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OF SAID WEB INTERMEDIATE THE SIDE EDGES THEREOF, SAID STIFF MATERIAL HAVING DEPRESSED RECEPTACLE PORTIONS LOCATED BETWEEN ADJACENT PAIRS OF SAID OPEN REGIONS; DEPOSITING CONTENTS IN SAID RECEPTACLE PORTIONS; SECURING A STRIP OF FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL LONGITUDINALLY ALONG AND IN FACING ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID WEB EXTENDING IN CLOSING RELATION WITH SAID RECEPTACLE PORTIONS AND ACROSS SAID OPEN REGIONS; AND SEVERING SAID WEB LONGITUDINALLY THEREOF TO SUBSTANTIALLY REMOVE THE WEB MATERIAL LATERALLY BEYOND SAID OPEN REGIONS, WHEREBY THE REMAINING WEB MATERIAL IS FLEXIBLY CONNECTED TOGETHER BY THE STRIP MATERIAL EXTENDING ACROSS SAID OPEN REGIONS. 